Humane society offers reward in tracking two suspects

The Oregon Humane Society got an early, ugly Christmas present this morning, and it's looking for the culprits.

It said two people dumped 19 cats -- 15 kittens and four adults -- at its headquarters in Northeast Portland at 5:24 a.m., when it was just above freezing. The cats range in age from 6 weeks to 1.5 years. They were abandoned in two red plastic storage containers outside the front door and next to a sign saying animal abandonment is a crime.

The organization is offering $500 for information that leads to the conviction of the two suspects, who were in a late-model blue Oldsmobile Cutlass and were captured on video, the organization said.

"The worst thing to do is abandon a pet in the middle of the night." said Susan Mentley, the organization's operations director. "If you have a cat and cannot care for it, please call OHS so we help find your cat a home."

The organization said the cats appeared malnourished and dehydrated but had no major health issues. They'll be put up for adoption.

Animal abandonment is Class B misdemeanor that's punishable by up to six months behind bars and $2,000 in fines, the organization said.

If you have any information about this case, call 503-285-7722, ext. 214.